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^^^i/&Sf^^} HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES {^S^S"^ 



WALTER P. BROWNLOW 

(Late a Representative from Tennessee) 



■J"^7 



MEMORIAL ADDRESSES 

DELIVERED IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTA- 
TIVES AND THE SENATE OF THE 
UNITED STATES 

U- SIXTY-FIRST CONGRESS 
THIRD SESSION 



Proceedings in the House 
February- 19, 1911 



Proceedings in the Senate 
December 6, 1910 



COMPILED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF 
THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON PRINTING 




WASHINGTON 

1911 



II- ^^t ^7 






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TABLE OF CONTENTS 



Page. 

Proceedings in the House 5 

Prayer by Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D 6 

Memorial addresses by — 

Mr. Massey, of Tennessee 8 

Mr. Richardson, of Alabama 16 

Mr. Houston, of Tennessee 21 

Mr. Hawley, of Oregon 26 

Mr. Padgett, of Tennessee 30 

Mr. Ryrns, of Tennessee 34 

Mr. Austin, of Tennessee 40 

Mr. Tilson, of Connecticut 51 

Mr. Sims, of Tennessee 54 

Mr. Cannon, of Illinois 59 

Mr. Garrett, of Tennessee 61 

Proceedings in the Senate 67 



[3] 



DEATH OF HON. WALTER P. BROWNLOW 



Proceedings in the House 

December 5, 1910. 

Mr. Massey. Mr. Speaker, I offer the following resolu- 
tions. 

The Speaker. The gentleman from Tennessee offers 
the following resolutions, which the Clerk will report. 

The Clerk read as follows : 

Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of 
the death of Hon. Walter P. Brownlow, late a Representative 
from the State of Tennessee. 

Resolved, That the Cleric of the House be directed to transmit a 
copy of these resolutions to the Senate and send a copy thereof to 
the family of the deceased. 

The resolutions were agreed to. 

Mr. Ransdell of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I offer the 
following resolution. 

The Speaker. The gentleman from Louisiana offers a 
resolution, which the Clerk will report. 

The Clerk read as follows : 

Resolved, That as a further mark of respect to the memory of 
the deceased Senators and Representatives the House do now 
adjourn. 



[5] 



MhMDHiAi. Adohesses: Hi;i'hi:sentative Bhowni.ow 



The resolution was agreed to. Accordingly (at 12 
o'clock and 49 minutes p. ni.), the House adjourned until 
12 o'clock noon to-morrow. 

December 6, 1910. 

The Chaplain, Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D., offered 
the following prayer: 

Almighty Father, ever ready and willing to hear the 
prayers of Thy children, we draw near to Thee, seeking 
Thy blessing that we may know Thy will and have the 
disposition and the strengtli to do it that we may fulfill 
tile obligations of the hour. 

Be very near, we beseech Thee, to all who are in sorrow 
and distress everywhere. Especially be very near to the 
families of those who were bereft of their dear ones dur- 
ing the recess and whom we knew as Members of this 
House to love and respect. Help them and us to look 
forward with bright anticipations to that other life where 
we shall dwell together in peace and liappiness forever, 
througii Jesus Clirist our Lord. Amen. 

Jamaky 10. li»ll. 

Mr. Massev. Mr. Speaker. I offer llir following order. 
Tlic Clerk read as follows: 

Ordered. Tliat .Sundav. tlic Htlli day of February, 1011. at 12 
o'clock noon, be set apart for adilrcsscs on tbc life, character, 
and public services of the Hon. \V. 1*. Bhownlow, late a Repre- 
senlalivc from the Stale of Tennessee. 

Tlu' or<ler was agreed to. 

[6] 



Proceedings in the House 



February 19, 1911. 

Mr. Gordon took the chair as Speaker pro tempore. 
Mi-. Massey. Mr. Speaker, I offer the resohitions (H. Res. 
983) wliich I send to the Clerk's desk. 
The Clerk read as follows: 

Resolved, That the business of the House be now suspended 
that opportunity may be given for tributes to the memory of the 
Hon. Walter Preston Brownlow, late a Representative from the 
State of Tennessee. 

Resolved, That the next adjournment of the House shall be 
considered a particular mark of respect to the memory of the 
deceased. 

Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to the 
Senate. 

Resolved, That the Clerk send a copy of these resolutions to 
the family of the deceased. 

The resolutions were unanimously agreed to. 



[7] 



MEiMORL\L ADDRESSES 



Address of Mr. Massey, of Tennessee 

Mr. Speaker: 1 rise lor the purpose of paying an 
humble tribute to the memorj' of my predecessor in this 
House and to voice, inadequately though it Ije, tlie deep 
sense of the irreparal)le loss sustained l)y the people not 
only of the first congressional district of Tennessee, but 
the entire State, in tiie demise of my distinguished pred- 
ecessor, Hon. W. P. Brownlow. 

Walter Preston Brownlow was one of my most 
devoted jjersonal friends, and I admirt'd him as one of 
the ablest, most useful, and resourceful public men I ever 
knew. From our first meeting I was attracted to him; I 
never knew a man who possessed in so high a degree that 
indefinable (lualily termed "personal magnetism"; 1 at 
once became his friend, and 1 take jiride in saying tliat 
friendshij) was reciprocated. 1 cliam])ioned liim in all 
ol' Ills conflicts, some of llu in uiosl strenuous aiul hiltrr, 
tliough all of a successfid character; and 1 take pride in 
the fact liiat I, in the language of my own beloved moun- 
tain people, " stood l)y him through tliick and tliin." 

Mr. Speaker, 1 not only adniii-ed and lilved Mr. Huown- 
l.ow, Init 1 Io\((l him. and the passing years increasi'd 
rather than diminislK d my friendship for him. 1 appre- 
ciated his wonderfid ability and ha<l the utmost con- 
lldence in him. 



[8] 



Address of Mr. Massey, of Tennessee 

Mr. Brownlow was born on the 27th day of March, 
1851, at Abingdon, Va., the county seat of Washington 
County, and within 15 miles of the line separating the 
Slate of Virginia from the district he had the honor to 
represent. The place of his birth, as we all know, is 
historic, and now more than historic in the hearts of the 
people of the first district of Tennessee. 

Mr. Speaker, since Tennessee's admission to our great 
Federal Union, 115 years ago, no one has represented my 
district in Congress as long as did Mr. Brownlow, with 
the exception of the Hon. John Rhea, and, had Mr, 
Brownlow lived, he would have surpassed Mr. Rhea's 
period in length of service. Mr. Brownlow had been 
nominated for an eighth term in a district where the 
nomination of his party is equivalent to an election of 
from ten to fifteen thousand majority. The people of 
my district were strong adherents of the Union cause in 
the Civil War and furnished to the Federal Army more 
soldiers than any district in the United States— all 
white — and under the leadership of Mr. Brownlow the 
Republican majority has been increased some 15,000. 
His supporters were not confined to his own party. 

Mr. Speaker, until Mr. Brownlow came to Congress 
the first congressional district of Tennessee had never had 
a dollar of public money appropriated for any purpose, 
but during the time he served he had established a fish 
hatchery at Erwin, Tenn.; a public building at Bristol, a 
rapidly growing city of about 20,000; a public building at 
Greeneville and another at Johnson City, all among the 
most prosperous and growing cities of the South. He 
also caused to be established at Greeneville, Tenn., the 
burial place of former President Andrew Johnson, a 
fourth-class national cemetery, the only one of this class 
ever established by the Federal Government. There was 
a poetic justice in this tribute to Andrew Johnson. He 

[9] 



Memokiai. Addrkssks: Representative Browxi.ow 

rendered, as we all know, invaluable service to his coun- 
try', whicli was recognized by the National Union Con- 
vention of 18()1 at Baltimore, when he was nominated for 
Vice President on the ticket headed by the immortal 
Lincoln. 

And, Mr. Speaker, in addition to all this, Mr. Brown- 
Low had erected in his district, at a cost of •'?2,100,()()0. a 
National Soldiers' Home, and this home was the pride of 
his whole life. It is situated in one of the most beautiful 
sections of the mountains of east Tennessee, where the 
atmosphere is the most desirable and the water bears 
the finest test as to purity. The climate is unequaled. 
and one of the greatest pleas rendered by Mr. Brownlow 
before the American Congress for the establishment of 
this home was that it would be located in a latitude the 
most desirable in the country, being 1,G00 feel above sea 
level. He was so much interested in this home that he 
and his wife lived tliere, notwithstanding that he owiud a 
home of his own at Jonesboro, Tenn., one of the most 
palatial in upper east Tennessee, and his pride in tliis 
home was evidenced by his dying request that he be 
buried in its cemetery by the side of the Union veterans, 
for whose comfort and in whose interest he had it estab- 
lished. After he had viewed its final completion he was 
not satisfied, but his everj' tliought was for the well- 
being of its inmates, who were not only tlie veterans of 
the Union Army, hiil (if tiie Spanish-American War. 
including many of tiie sons of old Confederate veterans. 
First, lie coiu-tived liie idea of furiiisliiiig reading matter 
for tiie iiimales. so lie wrote to llial iidIiIc plii!:intiiiiii)ist. 
Andrew C.arnegie. requesting tiiat he contriiiiite to tlie 
erecticMi ol the library building, and in answer to lliis 
appeal tie received a check <if .'r2r).(KK) for Ilie lihiary 
building; witli lliis sum he had erected a splendid build- 
ing, superior -because of Ihc cheapness of building 



Address of Mr. Massey, of Tennessee 

material in Tennessee — of any that could have been 
erected in other sections of the country for the same 
money. To get books for this library — there being no 
public money for the purpose — Mr. Brownlow wrote to 
all the leading publishing houses in the country, and in 
response to this appeal he received 16,000 volumes of the 
best literature of the world in history, poetiy, and fiction. 

In addition to this it occurred to Mr. Brownlow^ that in 
the hospital in this home the old soldier, left alone in the 
world, without having those he had loved the most 
around him, should have something more than bare walls 
to look upon while sick, and he wrote to the leading art 
firms, describing, as only Mr. Brownlow could describe, 
the home, and asked them to contribute one or more 
works of art, framed; and in answer to this request he 
received valuable works of art, sufBcient to cover the 
walls of the hospital. Then, again, it occurred to this 
man of wonderful resource and brain that the old soldier 
should have music during his declining years, and while 
on his sick bed lie wrote to many firms in this line, 
requesting that they contribute to this grand cause, and 
in response to this appeal he immediately received valu- 
able pianos and other musical instruments. But, not yet 
feeling that his work was complete, he procured, without 
cost to the Government, one of the best artists in the 
country to fresco and decorate the dining room. This 
was done in elaborate style, and for beauty and work is 
unequaled in the South, or, I might say, in the entire 
countiy. 

Mr. Speaker, I mention these details to show the intense 
interest he had in this noble institution. In the very 
center of our glorious Southland he has placed this mag- 
nificent home, an object lesson and typical of the gen- 
erosity of our glorious Republic; and in this connection 
I might say that a movement is now on foot to erect a 



[11] 



Memorial Addresses : Rehresentati\'E Brownlow 

monument lo the memory of Mr. Brownlow. But while 
I am heartily in sympatliy with the movement, and look 
forward with pride lu the unveiling of this monument, 
at the same time no monument of stone or marble is 
needed to jjerpetuate his memory in tlie liearts of the 
people of our country, as the National Soldiers' Home at 
Johnson City, Tenn., will ever stand as a monument to 
his untiring energ)-, brain power, and love for his fellow 
beings. 

As tilt' days that conu- into the lives of these men 
Cause them to lose their years and are young again, 
When tiie wrinkles flee from the careworn face 
And the smiles that flow have unwonted grace, 
These are the days when life is sweet, 
When past and present and future meet, 
To hlend in a halo of heavenly light 
And crown all things with a glory hright. 

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Brownlow in liis private life was 
above reproach; he lived for those around and about him. 
I believe, Mr. Sj^eaker, if a man ever. lived a life of silf- 
denial and devoted his life to his family, friends, and 
country, that man was Walter Preston Bro\\'nlow. He 
believed tliat in "casting Iiis i)read upon tlie waters it 
would be returned to him many days hence." In this 
connection 1 wish to speak of a little incitient in his life, 
tolti me by his wife several years before he was elected 
to ("-(ingress. A newspaiur ;irlii.lf one inuiiiiiiL; de- 
nounced liim in very seatliiiig terms, and ii|iiin liis naeh- 
ing home liis wile said, " Did you see this article, 
Walter? " and he reiiMtd, " Yes, my dear." " Well," said 
Ids wife, " what are yon going to do alioul il ? " To \\ liieli 
he replied, " I siiall do iiolliiiig about il." " Well, why 
won't you do anytiiing about it'.'" "Because, my tiear, 
if I stop Id lake up all sucli matlirs as tliis 1 will never 
reach the place to whicli 1 liave starlet!." " l"or w iial 



[12] 



Address of Mr. Massey, of Tennessee 

place have you started? " To which he replied, "The 
United States Congress." 

As to whether he took the wisest course, I leave to the 
decision of his friends in the first district of Tennessee 
and in the United States Congress. 

Mr. Speaker, as previously intimated, Mr. Brownlow 
needs no monument of marble and stone to perpetuate 
his memory, for above all this is the affectionate and 
grateful regard and love of the people whom he so long 
and so faithfully represented. 

Mr. Speaker, I desire to have published in the Congres- 
sional Record, as an appendix to my speech on our dis- 
tinguished and much-loved Congressman, Hon. W. P. 
Brownlow, the speech made by the Rev. Dr. Ruble, chap- 
lain of the National Soldiers' Home in Tennessee, which 
is as follows: 

ADDRESS OF REV. J. A. RUBLE, CHAPLAIN MOUNTAIN BRANCH SOLDIERS' 
HOME, DELIVERED AT FUNERAL OF HON. W. P. BROWNLOW, JULY 
11, 1910. 

Our subject is a character at once great and unique. Losing his 
father at 10 years of age, with the handicap of poverty, as well 
as lack of early educational opportunities, nevertheless we see 
him rising until his name and influence became truly national. 
This is impossible anywhere except in a Republic, and rarely 
occurs here. 

May we pause in the presence of the newly stirred earth to 
inquire how this occurs. In the exigencies of war, men attain 
dazzling heights, becoming really great with almost abrupt sud- 
denness, but Col. Brownlow launched his bark on a placid sea, 
and amid the tranquil environments of peace did a work and 
reached an influence which will render his name immortal, giving 
him an exalted and permanent place among our national legisla- 
tors. Estimated by his influence on the lawmaking power of one 
of the world's greatest nations, by what he achieved for his peo- 
ple, and also by his helpfulness in achievement for the whole 
Nation, we can but feel that he was truly great. 



[13] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brownlow 

That Nvc may better understand llie work and worth of this 
man, let us pause a moment for analysis and comparison. Serv- 
ing in Congress for 14 years, it is probable that history will attest 
the truthfulness of the statement that no other Congressman has 
been able to do more for his people, and but very few as much. 
Again, sec him as he stands related to the many great illustrious 
lawmakers furnished by the grand old Volunteer State in her 
history spanning a period of more than a century of years. 

Disclaiming a purpose, and deeply desiring to avoid being 
invidious, love for his memory and loyalty to truth will allow the 
statement that no other has ever wrought so fruitfully or achieved 
so much. Endowed far beyond the ordinary with resources 
almost limitless, lie brought to his task untiring industry. He 
studied the needs of the people of his State and of the Nation, 
and in a continuous effort he dedicated his splendid powers of 
brain and heart to supply them, which effort was crowned with 
marvelous success. 

The Mountain Branch of tlie Nationiil lloinc for Disabled Vol- 
unteer Soldiers, with its cost of more than !?2,0(I0,(I()(), located near 
Johnson City, Tenn., and which Corpl. Tanner, in the address on 
Decoration Day, May 30, 1910, characterized "Among all the 
branches of the National Soldiers' Home you stand as the cap- 
sheaf," the National Cemetery, located at Greeneville, Tenn., where 
repose the mortal remains of President Andrew Joimson, known 
among his people as the " Great Commoner," the fisli hatchery at 
Erwin, Federal buildings at Bristol, Johnson City, and Greeneville, 
stand as monuments to his genius for hard and successful work. 

He worked more hours per day and took less rest than any 
other man the speaker has ever known, and the fact lliat " liis sun 
has gone down while it is yet day" attests the truth, well known 
among his friends, he died a martyr to hard work. 

A most noleworliiy characteristic of this juiblic servant was his 
sympathetic heart power. Greatness of intellect renders achieve- 
ment possible, but where this is reenforced by the warmth of 
heart power success is far greater and more satisfactory. 

Iiilo his great heart all classes and conditions of the ixniile 
coulil enter and be made welcome without ringing the door bell. 
In the many, many that we have seen approach him, from the 
worthy old veteran on crutches to the struggling laborer, whose 
family was then sulVeriiig for the necessaries of life, he never 



[14] 



Address of Mr. Massey, of Tennessee 

turned one away wounded, but when he could do no more he 
would send them away with the memory of a brother's tear. 

He was truly national. In the points which diflferentiate the 
great parties he was Republican, but as Congressman he was the 
servant of all, and in his efforts to discharge the duties of accepted 
responsibility his efforts had in them far more of business than 
of sentimental politics, and while the congressional district which 
he served was a historic battleground in the sad and stormy days 
of the sixties, the position of this people being peculiar in that 
they were radically divided in their sympathies, many loving and 
clinging to the Confederate cause, more loving and clinging to 
the cause of the Union, thus causing the desolating waves of grim 
visaged war to sweep back and forth like a simoon, leaving the 
hates and prejudices as a blighting inheritance to the good people, 
here his marvelous influence as a peacemaker is seen and felt, 
so that when the end came the people, irrespective of party, felt 
that they had lost a real friend. 

He was a firm believer in the Bible, believing that Jesus Christ 
stands for the highest good in the universe. He always felt and 
showed the greatest reverence for sacred things, and as the end 
approached he expressed faith in the spiritual and eternal, prayed 
earnestly and much, and invoked the prayers of others. 



[15] 



Address of Mr. Richardson, of Alabama 

Mr. Speaker: The \\l\- ol' W.alter Preston Brownlow 
presents a most interesting and unique history. In its 
varied lines and endeavors it forms a hook of life that 
deserves study and admiration. Everj' incident and 
event in this remarkable man's life, from his early youth 
to manhood, marks him as possessed of an energ\', deter- 
mination, and courage that never hesitated or faltered 
when (hlliculties, obstacles, or embarrassments were 
encountered — and there were more of them in iiis life 
than any public man of my acquaintance — and no one 
nu't liieni more courageously and more successfully liian 
\N'.\LTER P. Brownlow. 

Like a great many of the great and distinguished jjublic 
men of our country, his educational opportunities were 
very limited, hut he eminently j)ossessed as a natural gift 
a fund of good common sense and judgment of men and 
things that a curriculum of colli'ge life could nt)t bestow. 
It is said, and it is li iic. tliat tlu' Ii\is, charactt r, and dis- 
position of men are formed and shaped irresistibly by 
the conditions, events, and circumstances that surround 
them in llie deviloping period of youtli. it was not so 
with Mr. Brownlow. He was reari d midst liu' storms of 
passion, bloodshed, violence, and liatud. Ih:il split asun- 
<ier the |)eoi)Ie of east Teinu'ssie in llif r\il (i:iys of llie 
Civil War, from IStil to ISCm. 

His tiislinguisiied uncle. William (i. iJiow nlow, with 
the potent picsligf of llic Kiiiiwilli Wliii.;, ol wliiili lie 
was the famous editor and o\\ in r, was an uiiexcelli'd 
factor in retaining tin' loyalty of liis peoj)le for the cause 
of tlie Union. Walter, his nephew, embraced with all 

[16] 



Address of Mr. Richardson, of Alabama 

his heart the cause of the Union. Manj', a great many, 
of his neighbors, friends to his own family, his associ- 
ates, gave their hands and hearts to tlie cause of the South. 
All the horrors of an internecine local war, more so than 
in any of the border States of the South, were enacted in 
the mountains of east Tennessee. But when peace came 
and the cause of the Union had triumphed, I affirm with 
confidence that no trace of harshness, no feeling of resent- 
ment for the South or its brave followers, ever found an 
abode in the generous and kind heart of Walter P. 
Brownlow. He was in the broad acceptation of the term 
a southern man, with a heart of yearning sympathy for 
the people of the South. He was always ready and will- 
ing with hand and heart to use his great influence in 
Congress to help his southern colleagues. That was said 
of hiin by all men who knew him. 

Mr. Brownlow demonstrated in his successful career 
that he was a great leader of men. No man environed 
and besieged with as bitter and hostile political factions, 
constantly seeking his overthrow, could have defeated 
their machinations, save a great masterly political genius 
that made no blunders or mistakes. His triumphs in the 
first Tennessee congressional district are simply a mar- 
velous record, and it is not the province of a brief sketch 
like this to present even its outlines. He was in all 
respects and in all things a loyal Republican, true to the 
edicts of his party, its platforms, and principles. Neces- 
sarily his success aroused jealousies and envies and made 
for him many strong and bitter enemies, but his true and 
steadfast friends were far more numerous. He was 
elected seven times in succession to Congress, and twice 
the Republican Party of Tennessee conferred on him the 
honor of a nomination to the United States Senate, and 
the Republican members of the Tennessee Legislature 
gave him their cordial support. 



1658°— 11- 



[17] 



Mkmokiai. Addui.ssks: Rki'resentative Bhowni.ow 

In many respects the strenuous struggles that Mr. 
Brownlow encountered in life and successfully overcome 
created a strong resemblance to the life of Andrew John- 
son, one of the ablest public men produced by our coun- 
trj'. No two null engaged actively in the live politics of 
the State of Tennessee during the span of their natural 
lives were the continuous targets of bitter political fac- 
tional warfare in their own parties so much as Andrew 
Johnson and Walter P. Brownlow. The eminent suc- 
cess of each of these two men is an interesting and 
instructive chapter in the political history of Tennessee. 
They both have demonstrated what an American youth, 
unarmed and unequipped in education and unaided by 
wealth and influential friends, can accomplish in life by 
an energj- that never tires and a determination whose 
only end is success. It is doubtless true that the most 
valuable lessons of education are acquired by men who 
tread such thorny paths, beset with troubles and snares. 
But the simile between these two noted men, whose tur- 
bulent political careers are more familiar to the people 
of Tennessee than of other States of the Union, is that in 
all tile factional political wars made on each of them 
no opponent — no personal or political enemy— no one 
was ever heard to charge that one cent of public money 
had ever ciiuig iiiipropirly to tluir liaiuls. Tluy wire 
honest, and tluir constituents knew it. And it was tliis 
trail (if cliaracter, unimpeaclu d and unimpeachable, thai 
was tiu- crowning factor of tlic tiiiim|)Iis of tlic IIms of 
Andrew Johnson and W.vltlr l\ HiiuwM.uw. 

If we judgi' public servants by their achievenuiits in 
behalf of liuir constiluints, thi ii ^\\■. IhuiwNi.ow easily 
takes first rank among soutlurn stalisiiun of the jjast .")() 
years. He nnuK- frw si)ieclus in ("ongnss, but he did 
his work in a i|iiirt. calm, dignilled, courteous manner 
that iiiadi- him liirnds and achif\r<l success. Howi-vi-r 



[18] 



Address of Mr. Richardson, of Alabama 

nauch he loved Tennessee and the Union of States, yet his 
first and greatest love was for the people of the first 
Tennessee congressional district. He believed that the 
people of his district justly deserved liberal appropria- 
tions from the Federal Treasury for needful improve- 
ments, and without ostentation or vain boastings his 
efforts were rewarded with a marvelous success. My 
first acquaintance with Mr. Brownlow was in January, 
1901, soon after I entered Congress. The bill for the 
establishment of the National Soldiers' Home at Johnson 
City, Tenn., was under consideration before the House of 
Representatives, and after many speeches on the floor 
the vote was about to be taken. He came on the Demo- 
cratic side and took his seat by me. He said to me in a 
sincere and earnest tone: "I need one more speech for 
my bill, and it must come from a Confederate soldier 
who saw service on the field of battle. Won't you make 
it for me?" I consented, made the speech, and the bill 
was passed. With his face beaming with a happy, bright 
smile, he came to me, grasped my hand, and said, " Call 
on me whenever I can serve you or your people." 

And as I recall the 10 years of service with him in Con- 
gress that followed, no man could have more cheerfully 
and willingly fulfilled the promise he made me. 

Several beautiful Government buildings, the Soldiers' 
Home and a fish hatchery, and many other substantial 
monuments located in the first Tennessee congressional 
district, representing an expenditure of millions of dollars 
from the Federal Treasury, stand as silent tributes to the 
fidelity of Walter P. Brownlow to the interests of the 
people who honored and trusted him so long. It was 
his success, his devotion to his public duties, that won for 
him that confidence of his people; that caused the poi- 
soned shafts of political enemies to fall harmless at his 
feet. His success and his achievements in Congress 



[19] 



Mkmokiai. Addresses: Hki'hkskntative Bhowm.ciw 

bewildered and confounded the schemes of envious men 
who sought liis overthrow. In his puhlic life the ines- 
timable value of a people's confidence was well demon- 
strated and empliasized. His death marked tlie fall of 
one of the most noted of the many great men that Tennes- 
see has produced. It is now, after he is gone, that the full 
measure of tlie man and liis works can he fully under- 
stood and appreciated. His place will he hard to fill. 

He has passed forever from the scenes of his struggles 
and victories. He sleeps in the grounds of the Soldiers' 
Home at Johnson City, Tenn. It was eminently jiroper 
to bury him there, for tlie home was the creation of his 
own indefatigable energy. It was the pride of his heart. 
The brave, war-scarred veterans of the Inion Army, who 
are kindly and gratefully sheltered by that beautiful 
home by a liberal and generous Government, can well 
afford to pause midst the scenes of their departing lives 
and shed a tear over the grave of W.\lter P. Brownlow. 



[20] 



Address of Mr. Houston, of Tennessee 

Mr. Speaker: I came to-day to offer my tribute to the 
memory of my deceased friend and colleague. 

Few names have been more familiar to the people of 
Tennessee for the last quarter of a century than that of 
Walter P. Brownlow. While he lived in the extreme 
eastern part of the State, his name was familiar to every 
section and in every county of our Commonwealth. Not 
onlj' was he known and honored by his own party during 
these years, but the people of all parties were familiar 
with his name and with his work, and looked upon him 
with admiration and respect. For many years he was a 
strong and controlling factor in the Republican Party 
of Tennessee. While his influence was dominant in the 
party, he was familiarly, and I might say affectionately, 
called the " easy boss," and this expression was significant 
of the manner and way he exercised power and even con- 
trol in his party. While he was a Republican, he was 
more essentially a Tennesseean and a southerner. No 
interest of Tennessee, no interest of the South ever 
appealed to him in vain. In his loyalty to his section he 
was unfailing, and he brought into activity a vigor, a per- 
sistence, and determination to be of service to his people 
that has rarely been excelled. His lusty intellectual and 
physical manhood was untiring in his efforts to promote, 
their interests, and the success that attended these efforts 
has been surpassed by few men in his time. There are 
many monuments to his untiring labors in east Tennessee 
and elsewhere. My colleague who has preceded me has 



[21] 



Mkmokial Addkkssks : Hi;iMti;si:MAri\i'. BiunvM.ow 

called attention to many of them. These will stand as 
testimonials of his devotion to his country and the success 
that attended liis efTorts. His huoyant nature, his strong 
faith, and invincible will gave to him an energy and a 
courage that never failed, and in the accomplishment of 
his purpose few men wrought better than he. 

Descended from that hardy pioneer slock that won 
the Battle of Kings Mountain Walter P. Brownlow 
inlierited the patriotism tliat inspired his life and, reared 
in the mountains of east Tennessee, his character was 
marked by that hardy patriotism and invincible will that 
comes naturally from such antecedents and surroundings. 

My acquaintance with him covered a period of many 
years in a casual way, and, while I had seen but little of 
him personally until 1 came to the Fift>--ninth Congress, 
I knew much of his public service. He loved his countrj' 
and he loved his fellow men. He was devoted to the 
public- interest and few nun served it more diligently or 
accomplished so much in llir way of acquiring material 
benefits for his people. In addition to this he loved his 
fellow men and his life was full of good deeds and kindly 
ministrations. He loved to render assistance and to 
extend the helping hand, and untold numbers bear testi- 
mony in their hearts to the kind deeds and generous help 
of this kindly man. Few men gave so much of their 
time to aid and lielp those in trouble and few men liter- 
ally cared for so many people. N\) man was more loyal 
to his party or more iiitensily a believer in ils doctrine, 
yet iHi Minn lusitali'd less to step across parly lines to 
sup|>()rt a nu asuri' lii' believed was rigid. 

lie was cssiiitially suutlurn in all of his instincts. He 
loved tlie Soulii with all the strength ol liis great luart 
and lie stctnd by her interests as he saw it regartiless of 
paitv ties. It was his misfdrlune that the He|)ulilieaii 
Party in his ow n State was ilividid in factions in the last 



[22J 



Address of Mr. Houston, of Tennessee 

years of his life; and being an ardent and earnest man, 
he incurred the strong opposition of one faction of his 
party. This opposition, I think, will now be recognized 
as a political antagonism only, and I believe those of the; 
opposing faction to him will lose sight of their former 
differences and now remember only the ardent, generous, 
kindly man; and that now, after life's fitful fever is over 
and he has been laid to rest in the mountains of his own 
native country, his personal virtues, his warm heart, and 
his generous devotion to his friends and his country will 
be the characteristics that are remembered. 

For many years I have had a warm and intimate rela- 
tionship with some members of his family connections 
and have had occasion to know much of the place he 
held in their hearts and their regard for him, and the 
affectionate pride with which they looked upon him; and 
this is a testimonial of his inner life that furnishes one 
of the best tests to the real man. Those who knew him 
best in his home life, as well as in his public walks, 
believed in him with a faith and confidence that amounted 
to veneration. And, after all, the love and confidence of 
those who know the home life is the best evidence and 
truest test of the real man. 

The public life of this man is a striking example of 
what may be done and accomplished by indomitable will 
and never-tiring energy. He was born of a family that 
were among the striking characters and distinguished 
figures in the historj" of Tennessee. His early life was 
surrounded with stirring events and great political agita- 
tion. He was thrown upon his own resources at an early 
and tender age, and he made his way, step by step, over- 
coming difficulties, and steadily forged to the front. He 
seemed equal to every condition and made headway in 
every struggle from apprentice boy, locomotive engineer, 
newspaper reporter, and editor to various positions of 



[23] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Browm.ow 

honor and responsibility in his own party and finally to 
the position of Rcpreseiitiitive in this House. Here he 
found the field for his great energy and activity, and in 
this position his work for his section and his country was 
remarkably successful. Few Members of Congress have 
done more for their districts than he. He was a working 
Member of Congress. He was not given to much speak- 
ing on the floor of the House, and rarely could it be 
charged to iiini that he wasted the time of the House in 
futile declamation or vain discussion. But when the 
occasion arose upon questions close to his heart, espe- 
cially those all'ecting the interest of his own section, he 
showed a vigor and power of a high order. One notable 
occasion of this was wluii lu' IkhI a measure pending 
before the House to protect and preserve the buying 
place of Andrew Johnson, which lies in the district which 
was represented by Mr. Brownlow. 

There developed on the floor a good deal of opposition 
among the members of his own party to the proposed 
legislation, and it looked as if the bill would be di-feated; 
but Mr. Brownlow came to the rescue with a vigor and 
an eloquence that surprised the Members of the House. 
In paying a tribute to llie loyally of east Tennessee, he 
described the conditions under which the boys from the 
mountains and valleys of east Tennessee enlisted in the 
liiion Army, showing that it was not done to the " roll 
of the stirring (h'uni and tlie truni])et that sings of fanu-," 
jjul tiiat tile l)i)ys received their mothers' blessings 
seciiliy at liic i)aek door and told their sweithearls good- 
bye down by the spring by the light of tlie stars, and made 
their way to the Federal Army in secret and under cover 
of nigiit. The clfcil of liis words on this occasion gained 
fur his bill the supjjort that secured its passage. Tills 
was an example of llii' sircnglh he couhl bring to bear 
when the occasion demanded. 



[24] 



Address of Mr. Houston, of Tennessee 

The career of Walter P. Brownlow is but another 
striking example of what may be accomplished by will 
and resolution. Without the advantages in early life 
that come from wealth and fortune, without these he 
struck out on his own resources. He had vigor of mind 
and body, and boldly he set forth with an ambition and 
faith that never faltered; and with this capital he 
wrought, and thus he developed the strong man that over- 
came difliculties and commanded the confidence and 
support of his countrymen. 

The friends that he had and their loyalty to him bear 
testimony to his own unfailing devotion to his friends. 

In middle age, long before his life had reached the 
allotted span, he was called to go. His years, though 
not great in number, were stirring and eventful, and his 
life, measured by the deeds done and work accomplished, 
reached a full standard. 

His taking off in the prime of life and the sudden ter- 
mination of a career but lately so buoyant with expecta- 
tion and full of promise is another reminder that at any 
hour the summons may come, and bids us stand ready for 
the call. These dispensations are dark and inscrutable 
to us, but let us hope that to him there is no shadow, no 
mysterj', but that all is glorified with that Light that is 
neither of the sun, the moon, nor the stars. 



[25] 



Address of Mr. Hawley, of Oregon 

Mr. Speaker: In im-inory ol ihv distinguished Member 
from Tennessee, Hon. Walter P. Brownlow, I desire to 
speak a few words and to present an attribute of his 
character which strongly ajjpcals to nic, and which my 
colleagues here and his friends elsewhere appear to 
regard as among his most distinguishing traits. 

As saiil in Tennyson's In Memoriain, he \\as the man 
of " the larger heart, the kindlier hand." 

This life is a pleasant vale between the dreamless work! 
of the unborn and the undreamed-of world of those who 
die no more. Coming into it. the ("nator louelus our 
existence with an immortal spark; and if we cherish this 
as the years come and go, it becomes a light whose color 
and bi'illiance distinguish us I'rom our fellows. 

This Member from Tennessee attraeltd us all to iiini 
by the simple manliness of his character, the unsullied 
gentrosity of his nature, the kindliness of his pin-poses, 
and his helpfulness. Every man has a great gallery of 
memories, which begins with the earliest recollection and 
continues to his latest hour. On llu walls of that galKry 
are pictures that memory has painted of the things tlial 
have attracted liim most, of the ])ersons whom lu' has 
loved best. 

Tberi' is a memory picture' of his mother before which 
countless pt'r|)etual camlles burn, each lit in lioiior of 
some act of her changiless and unsiHish care and love. 
And in seipunci- a|)pear jjiclures hung tlureof the dreams 
of youth and Hie purposes of manhood by ambitions and 
ideals, of (k'eds of love or might, by faith and hoi)i'. so 
that if wc could enter and, passing Ihi-ough. survey them 
all we WDuld know cacli heart as it is known li> the 

[26] 



Address of Mr. Hawley, of Oregon 



recording angel. Into this holy place few are ever 
admitted. Onlj^ personal love or personal attraction 
opens such doors, for herein is disclosed the naked soul 
of man. Sometimes in great public stress or by reason 
of personal affection the gallery is opened and we stand 
before the hidden thoughts and the secret places of a 
human soul. It was my fortune once on an occasion to 
see the man in whose solemn memorj^ we hold these serv- 
ices open his heart, and the beauty of that inmost pic- 
ture and the gloiy of its illumination have lingered in 
my memory. The act done was not one of great distinc- 
tion, but rather one of the kindliness most characteristic 
of true manliness, a helping of the helpless, a hand 
stretched out in aid when there seemed to be none that 
heard. I have read that the blue dome that spreads 
above us, the inverted cup of the sky, gets its color from 
the tiniest particles of dust arising from the surface of 
the earth or drifting in from interstellar space; that the 
pencils of white light coming from the sun, containing 
all the rays of light, have broken out from them their 
feeblest ray — the little blue ray — and that the particles 
of dust, like swinging mirrors in the sky, fill all the 
expanse of heaven with color grateful to the eye and 
alluring to the heart as the symbol of universal love and 
trust. 

I have read further that the moisture rising from the 
ground is invisible, and that it can not condense except 
upon a foreign substance; that it floats in the sky until 
condensed on the dust into clouds, full of the attractive- 
ness of color and of harvests yet to be; that if not so 
upheld, the moisture would settle down upon the earth, 
condensing on every object it touched, until everything 
dripped with water; but it is said the dust with its tiny 
fingers catches the invisible moisture of the air, con- 
denses it, carries it over vast spaces inland until it 



[27] 



Memori.\l Addresses: Representative Bhowniow 



descends in dew and rain to make fertile the fields and to 
nourish the harvests for the comfort and benefit of man. 
So that to the smallest tilings we owe the morn in russet 
mantle clad, the colors of clouds, and the blessing of the 
early and the later rain. The world is not made up of 
great deeds. Kindly deeds are the color and substance 
of life. The world is not distinguished in the last analy- 
sis by the great deeds of great men, important and admi- 
rable though they be, but the world as we know it is made 
up of the countless tiiousands of loving kindnesses of the 
innumerable throng of us all. They are the foundations 
on which we build neighborhoods, connnunities, cities. 
States. And this man, though he had many admirable 
qualities and was distinguished in many ways, in whose 
memory many worthy words have been said and will 
yet be said, was a man whose distinctive characteristic 
was his constant and unheralded rendering of assistance 
and the doing of the kindnesses tliat take the anguish 
out of life and put tiie joy in-^the most kindly attribute 
of human nature. 

Afiection, kindness, the sweet olTices of love and duty, 
were to him as needful as his daily bread. 

TlKit btst portion of a good man's life — 
His little-, nameless, unrenuMnlu'reil acts 
Of kindness and of love. 

As I have heard tohl the |)rocesses of his rise and 
advancement, and how he moved fn.m one |)l;ic-( in lifi' 
to a liighcr place. I call to memory tlu- words, as litlingly 
ai)i)lii(l to him : 

Hiiikl tliee more stalely mansion.s, () my soul. 

While the swift seu-sons roll! 

Leave tliy low-vaulted p.isl! 

Let earh new temple, iiolilcr lli.ui llic last, 

.Shut thee from heaven willi a douie more vast, 

Till lliou al Icnulli art (rvi-. 

Leaving thy outgrown shell hy life's unresting sea, 

[28] 



Address of Mr. Hawley, of Oregon 



And this man, a friend of us all, year by year, as meas- 
ured by his achievements, by his advancement, built him 
a dome more vast until in the fullness of his development 
he was set free. He will go from the field where he 
sowed material for a grateful harvest of good with great 
rejoicing, bearing his sheaves with him, to render his 
accounting to the dread Lord of all the earth. 



[29] 



Address of Mr. Padgett, of Tennessee 

Mr. Speaker: I greatly fear that the condition of my 
voice will deprive me of an opportunity of speaking of 
our departed colleague as I should desire. It is not my 
purpose to-day to speak words of fulsome praise or of 
foolish llattcry. 

It is my desire to speak of Mr. Brownlow in words of 
truth and soberness as I knew him from our association 
together in our work; to give the impress that his life 
and fellowship made upon me. 

Ho was a man of intolligiiice. By lliat I do not moan 
simply that he was one of the species of intelligent beings, 
but I moan llial he was a man possessing an intellect of 
Dial high order and character that gave him a high and 
comprehensive grasp of the condition of tiie country, of 
the State, of public aft'airs, and lifted him into a region 
of tlie higher atul mjhlir and l)elter impulses which char- 
acterize the action and conduct of men as individuals 
an<l of people. 

He was a man of honor. 1 would not say tlial lie ilid 
not lia\e diplomai y. it \\iiul<l i)e luiwdrtliy of liini to say 
that lie was lacking in the proper ajjpreciatioii of lliat 
taet wliieli we i-all diplDiiiaey that adapts conduct to con- 
ditions. Hut 1 wish to emphasi/.e the fact that liie spirit 
of honor moved his conduct with tiie purpose of sincerity 
anil integrity wliieli ehaiaiicri/.cd liis life. If there was 
one tiling ahovi' another that we can emphasi/.e in the life 
of \VAi.ri;ii HuowNi.ow, it was, as was often spoken of 
hiui, thnt his word was as good as his bond. 



[30] 



Address of Mr. Padgett, of Tennessee 

He realized and appreciated the value of sincerity of 
conviction, integrity of purpose, honor of conduct, and 
fulfillment of promise. I do not conceive any attribute 
of a man's life that deserves more emphasis, that is 
worthy of more praise, than to speak of the man and to 
say of him that he loved honor for honor's sake. 

He sought the principle of the good and attempted to 
measure his life and his dealings with his fellows accord- 
ing to the standard that addresses itself to that higher 
and nobler conception of humanity that is true, real, and 
genuine. Moreover, he was a man of a kindly heart. I 
do not recall at this time a man that you could approach 
with more confidence of a kindly response to a generous 
appeal than Walter Brownlow. It was one of the attri- 
butes of his life, the warmness, the kindliness of his heart, 
and the sincerity of his affections. An appeal which car- 
ried with it the element of sympathy, a demand which 
had in it the characteristic of human kindness always 
found in the heart of Walter Browtvlow a generous 
response. In his soul he had the milk of human kind- 
ness that always responded generously to a worthy appeal. 

He was a man of character. I mean by that stability, 
purpose, fixedness of purpose, an ideal that rose above 
the petty trickery of life and found lodgment that gave 
expression to those characteristics, those elements of 
human life that measure our purpose and characters, our 
aims and our destinies. 

He was a man who possessed those elements of charac- 
ter that form the warp and the woof of our being, that 
give stamina and stability to life, and lift to that plane of 
moral, social, and intellectual excellency that command 
the respect and the confidence of every man who loves 
the truth and admires integrity. Such a man of character 
was Walter P. Brow^nlow. 



[31] 



Memorial Addressks : Representative Browm.ow 

He was a man of fine, practical efliciency, and by that I 
moan a man of" usefulness. He was not an idle dreamer. 
He did not spend his life in dreaming dreams that never 
realize. He believed in the practical things of life. He 
understood human nature; he understood the motives of 
men and how to deal with tliein, and how to accomplish 
results. The illustrations which have been given by 
others who have spoken to-day testify to the practical 
efficiencv', the everj'day usefulness of the life of this man. 
His life work left its impress upon his country for good 
and for its upbuilding. 

If you go among individuals many there are who can 
say, " 1 am glad that \V .alter Brownlow lived and that I 
associated with him and was in touch with his life." 
Many are they who, testifying individually, can prove his 
good works. And if we look collectively to the country 
manj' are the fruits of his labors that not only to-day, 
but in the years to come, will be living witnesses of the 
value of his life and testify the good he did and the 
impress he made upon his country for its uplift and its 
upbuilding. 

iiMii lliat utiiir life, which the soul of inan craves as 
the liigher and better life, he has gone, and we speak our 
conviction and our belief that he entered it facing his 
fellows and liis God with that conviction wliich comes 
from duty well performed. We often moralize, Mr. 
Speaker, and we often speculate upon that life which is 
beyond. It is not my purjiose to-day to engage in it. I 
simply wish, liowever, to express tliis thouglit: Tiiat what- 
ever life hereafter is reserved Idi- tlie true, tlie generous, 
the honorabh', and Die good, Walter HuowMdw will liml 
his fcHowship and association with lliem. 

We speak often of llie grave eternal: \\c speak of one 
being in the grave forever. 1 do not so In liiNc oi- regard 
it. .\s I stand :it the liiavf of a loved one or a friend 



[32] 



Address of Mr. Padgett, of Tennessee 

there comes to me the memoiy of the words of the angel 
who went early in the morning to the grave on the mem- 
orable occasion and said to the women, " He is not here ; 
He is risen." And as I stand at the grave of one whom I 
love I lift my eyes above the grave toward that higher 
and better life and say of my friend, "He is not here; 
he is risen into that glory reserved for the true and the 
good." 



1658°— 11- 



[33] 



Address of Mh. Ryrns, of Tennessee 

Mr. SrFAKKK: I consider it a sad privilege to have this 
opportunity of paying a tribute to the memory of our 
deceased colleague, Hon. Walter P. Bro\\'^'low, wlio for 
so many years faithfully and ably represented tlie first 
congressional district of Tennessee. Mr. Browm.ow was 
first elected to Congress in 189G, and from that time until 
July [), 1910, when he quietly passed away at his home in 
Johnson City, he held, in tlie veiy largest measure, the 
esteem and affection of the people who had seven times 
honored him with their suffrages. There was a good 
reason, Mr. Speaker, for the confidence wliich his people 
placed in liini. He never betrayed tlu trust wliicli tliey 
bestowed upon him. He never lost an opportunity to 
serve them and the State from which he came. He was 
intensely loyal to Tennessee. He loved lier people, their 
history, and Ihrir liadilioii^, and tlic time iicmt was 
wluii he was not willing to devote ins tirtdess encrg}' to 
tlie upiniilding of ins Slate and tiie advanei'inent nf lier 
people. 

It is not ni\ purpose in the brief remarks wliieh I shall 
make to coinimnl parlii-ulail\ npon wlial he ai^'oni- 
plislied for iiis (hstrict and his people. I shall lea\f tiiat 
for tiiose who si-rved with him for a longer time in this 
House. Rut it may l)e frnlhi'ully said thai no Miuiher of 
Congress — certainly nonr I'liun the South ever sei-nitd 
more matei'ial and substantial benefits for liis dislriit 
tlian did Mr. liiidWM.ow. It is no doubt trnr llial his sne- 
cess along this line was in i)art liue to the lart lliat he 

[34] 



Address of Mr. Byrns, of Tennessee 

belonged to and held high place in the councils of the 
dominant party in the administration of our national 
affairs during all the years of his public service, and to 
the further fact that for many years he was a member of 
one of the most important and influential committees of 
Congress. But his success was also due to his wisdona 
and foresight, his thorough knowledge of men, and his 
ability to recognize and grasp every opportunity which 
was afforded to secure an appropriation for his district in 
the form of some public improvement. And, in all can- 
dor, it may be said that on such occasions he did not stop 
to consider the cost to the Treasury. Mr. Brownlow was 
entirely practical in his ideas of legislation. He knew 
that each year Congress would appropriate a certain 
amount of money for public improvements, and he made 
no concealment of his purpose to secure as large a share 
as might be possible for his district. 

I would not be understood as holding that an ability 
to secure large appropriations from the Public Treasury 
is an evidence of high statesmanship. Neither did Mr. 
Brownlow have such an idea. He knew that the true 
value of a Representative's service to his district and his 
people does not consist in his capacity to secure large 
appropriations of the people's money for the benefit of his 
particular district; that securing a public building or 
improvements of a local value and interest is not of itself 
an evidence of statesmanship. His talents and energies 
were by no means confined to endeavors to obtain local 
advantages. His keen knowledge of men and his con- 
servative judgment was of potent value to his party in the 
consideration of legislation on the floor, and particularly 
in the important committee of which he was a member 
and to which he gave his undivided time and attention. 
He was quiet and unostentatious in all that he undertook. 
He was no orator, nor did he aspire to be one. He never 



[35] 



Me.moiual Aduhessks : IAi.i'iti:M;MATivE Bhowm.uw 

sought to cultivate the graces of orator)- in order to 
attract attention to himself. He preferred rather to do 
his work quiclly in comniittoc and on the floor and to 
trust to results to \in(iic;ile the confidence which his i)eo- 
ple had imposed in him. And yet, Mr. Speaker, there 
were occasions when he expressed himself witii a force 
and vehemence which showed that whenever the neces- 
sity arose he was abundantly able to take care of himself 
and a cause in which he believed. Perhaps the most 
striking instance of this fact, as well as of his intense love 
for Tennessee and the history of her distinguished sons, 
is to be found in his earnest and eloquent defense of that 
great commoner, Andrew Johnson, against the post- 
mortem attack upon liis character which appeared in a 
book containing the personal recollections of Senator 
William Stewart. This book gave publicity and credence 
to false insimialions antl iuil't)iintUil rumors concerning 
the character and habits of Johnson, which were inspired 
by the rancorous bitterness of the dark days of recou- 
striiclion when Johnson, as the President of a reunited 
people, sought lo give aid and comfort to the brave but 
suffering Southland. 

Mr. Bkownlow knew how unfounded these attacks 
were and how great was the injustice done to the memory 
of Johnson aiul liis family. He rej)resented llie district 
which Johnson fornuily had represented in Congress — 
a district in which Johnson li;i(l lived and died and where 
his remains now repose, lit knew Jolnison's liistory 
from the early days of poverty. Ihrongli all llie struggling 
years until he reached llie highest olliii- in tiu' land. And 
when, long yeai-s after his dealli, cruel and false accusa- 
tions were peiine<i as liistoriia! fails. Mi. Hhownlow was 
quick to refute and denounce Hum. 11< did not pause 
to retlect that Johnson was a Denioi'ial and he a Uepub- 
lican. Nor did he slop lu question what .some of Ids 



[36] 



Address of Mr. Byrns, of Tennessee 

Republican associates might lliink of liis rushing to the 
defense of a Democrat against the attacks of a fellow 
Republican. He did not care what they or others might 
think. He only knew that the memory of a distinguished 
son, whom Tennessee had many times delighted to honor, 
had been unjustly assailed. Mr. Brownlow was first a 
Tennesseean and then a Republican. And, Mr. Speaker, 
this sense of justice and fair play in all things and toward 
all men was one of the chief elements of his character. 
While perhaps the most striking, this is by no means the 
most convincing evidence of the loyalty of Mr. Brownlow 
to Tennessee and her people. There are many Tennes- 
seeans in the Government service to-day who can testify 
to his kindliness and to his willingness to serve those who 
appealed to him for aid. I have often heard him say 
that when his influence and help was sought by a Tennes- 
seean in the service of the Government he never stopped 
to ask the politics of those asking his assistance. There 
are hundreds in the sei-vice to-day who will keep his 
memory ever green in their hearts because of some gen- 
erous, kindly, and friendly service done them. 

Undoubtedly the achievement of which Mr. Brownlow 
Avas most proud was his work in securing an appropria- 
tion of more than $2,000,000 to erect a national soldiers' 
home on the outskirts of his home town, Johnson City. 
The erection of this splendid home so far south was a 
great achievement and shows the great influence and per- 
sonal popularity he possessed in Congress. 

As a result largely, if not altogether, of his efforts, this 
magnificent home was built under sunny southern skies, 
amid the splendid mountains and beautiful hills of east 
Tennessee and in close proximity to those great battle 
fields of the South, where was proven the prowess of 
those who wore the blue and the gray, and where glory 
and luster was shed upon American valor and American 



[37] 



Mkmohial Addkessks: Hepresentative Bhowneow 

manhood. This great home stands as a lasting monu- 
ment to tlie memory of Mr. Browm.ow, and the old sol- 
diers Avho wore the blue, and who in their declining years 
find shelter and comfort under its roof, are living 
reminders of his devotion to them and the cause for 
which they fouglil and in which he steadfastly believed. 
And it was but fitting, when the inexorable and merci- 
less hand of death beckoned to Bhowm.ow and his 
earthly career was finished, that his mortal remains 
should have been laid to rest beneath the greensward 
\\Iiicli surrounds the home in \\hich he took such a par- 
donable pride. 

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Browm.ow was a man of firm and 
positive convictions. There was no lialfway ground willi 
him. He had strong views upon all subjects, and, having 
the courage of his convictions, he never hesitated to give 
expression to them. He was a party man in the strictest 
sense of tlie word. In sliort, lie was a partisan. He 
believed in parties and party organization as necessary 
to the proper administration of government. He stood 
steadfastly by his party's organization and never failed 
to vote with it on all measures which involved party 
principle or party procedure. But while this was true, 
he was !)road and lil)eral in his ideas, and his respect for 
the opinions of others was such that he entertainetl no 
ill will or unkindly feeling toward any man wlio might 
differ with him or wIio Ixloiiged Ici llu opposite political 
l)arty. Intensely loyal in ills frii lulships, always cour- 
teous and ever obliging, he numi)ered among his warm 
friends many of liis Democratic colleagues, and it affords 
me, a Democrat, l)i iieving just as liiinly and unalterably 
in Democratic principles as he believed in Hepublican 
])rinciples, a sad but sinci-rc pli-asure to testify to-day to 
his great worth as a man, his eminence as a citizen, liis 



[38] 



Address of Mr. Byrns, of Tennessee 

usefulness as a public servant, his loyalty to his people, 
and his patriotic devotion to his countrj'. 

From an humble beginning Mr. Brownlow rose to a 
high place in the confidence of his people and in the legis- 
lative councils of his country, as a result of his untiring 
energy, his indomitable pluck, his good sense, and his 
sterling worth. In his early years he was trained in the 
school of stern necessity. Later on he became the secre- 
tary of his uncle, Hon. William G. Brownlow, known as 
" Parson " Brownlow, and one time governor of Tennes- 
see. Mr. Brownlow often referred with pride and grati- 
tude to the training he had received under his distin- 
guished uncle, and attributed to it much of the success 
which he subsequently achieved. He possessed the spirit 
of optimism to a very rare degree. It was not his custom 
to complain at fate or misfortune. He believed always 
in the eternal fitness of things, and it was a part of the 
philosophy of his religion to look on the sunny side of 
life. No higher tribute could be paid to him than to say 
that he sought to be faithful in all things, that he tried to 
do the right as God gave him light to see the right. Hence 
it was, sir, that when fatal disease placed its relentless 
hand upon him and he was warned that the time of his 
departure was near at hand, he could meet his fate with 
cheerful fortitude and serenity, and — 

Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch 
About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams. 



[39] 



Address of Mr. Austin, of Tennessee 

Mr. Speaker: It is with tiie most piorouiul feeling of 
sorrow Unit I rise to say a few words in memory of the 
Hon. WAi.TiiR Preston Bhownlow, a Representative in 
this body from the first district of Tennessee, who died 
at the National SohUers' Home near Johnson City, Tenn., 
on the 8th day of July, 1910. Not only was lie my col- 
league here oflicially, but for many years he was an inti- 
mate c()mi)aiiii)ii — my guide, counselor, and friend — and 
I miss liim as I would a dear and valued kinsman. I was 
fortunate enough to be associated with him in the dis- 
charge of the duties of his office wlu ii he was the Door- 
keeper of this House, and also when he first became a 
Representative in tliis body, and in all our intercourse 
1 am proud and pleased to say that 1 can not recall a dis- 
cordant word or thought between us; but, on tlie cDutrary, 
there was the utmost harmony of ])urpose an<i action, and 
he always manifested a warm and uiunistakablc regard 
that was a source of the greatest pride and value to me. 
His advice and assistance in the perfonnance of my 
duties and in personal inattris, partiiiihiily in ])olitics, 
can not be overestimated in its imixirlance, and he ren- 
deretl me this assistance tlisinteresletiiy and witliout tiie 
hast ungiaciousness or exi)ictation of return. I lis diatli, 
it is needless to say, is a source of the greatest loss to me, 
both personally and olViciaily, which I realize every day. 
Tiie State of Tiiiiussce, too, will feil his loss sensibly, 
and tlie first district will never liave the good fortune to 
have his equal as a faitliful and successful Representa- 



[401 



Address of Mr. Austin, of Tennessee 

live. As for Mr. Brownlow, with my partial eyes I could 
see no blemish in his character: 

His life was gentle, and the elements 

So mixed in him that Nature might stand up 

And say to all the world, " This was a man." 

Mr. Brownlow was born on tlie 27tli day of March, 
1851, in Abingdon, Va., where for three years he attended 
private schools. His father dying when the boy was quite 
j'oung, he was thrown upon his own resources, and was 
compelled to help in his own support and to otherwise 
assist his mother, working as a telegraph messenger boy 
when he was only 10 years of age. At 14 he became an 
apprentice in the tinning business, and later on learned 
to be a locomotive engineer. In these vocations he 
deported himself creditably, as he did in all his subse- 
quent fields of employment. In selecting the latter occu- 
pation, Mr. Brownlow, young as he was, it is worthy of 
notice, was actuated by a strong sense of duty besides 
that of help to his family. He had in mind the impor- 
tance of the work he was to do and the help he might 
be to humanity; and in this he was conscious, as we all 
are, that to the locomotive engineers the world is under a 
deep debt of gratitude. It is wonderful to think of the 
number of human lives and the millions of property that 
are every day intrusted to and dependent upon the 
sobriety, nerve, the skill, the fidelity, and the courage of 
these men. Their duties are among the noblest and most 
important of the various occupations of human life, and 
their compensation should be among the highest given to 
any class of our public servants. 

In this employment, however, Mr. Brownlow did not 
continue very long. He aimed at something which the 
world regards as still higher than the care of a locomo- 



[41] 



MkMOHIAL AdDKESSKS : HEl'UESi;MATlVli BaOWM.dW 

live — something that was calculated to hring him laiiK' 
and a greater income. He was ambitious to become a 
newsi)ai)c'r man, and with this feeling he obtained 
employment as a reporter for the Knoxville Whig anil 
Chronicle, a paper that under the management and 
ownership of his uncle, the celebrated William G. Brown- 
low, popularly known as " Parson " Brownlow, previously 
a Senator of the Lnited States, became one of the most 
widely known and influential periodicals in the countiy. 
He did not find it necessarj' to remain with his uncle more 
than a year. In 1876 he made arrangements to go into 
business for himself, and to this end purchased the 
Herald and Tribune, a Republican newspaper issued at 
Jonesboro, Tenn., since which time he has continued as 
its editor and proprietor, both to his own aiul his parly's 
advantage. At the same time he entered actively into 
j)()litics and soon became a representative man. He was 
a <lelegatc from his tlislriel to the Republican national 
conventions of 1880, 18',)(i, and 1900, and a delegate at 
large to the national conventions of 1881 and 1901. In 
1880, besides, he was chairnnin of the Republican congres- 
sional committee of his tiistriet, and in 1882 was elected 
a member of the Republican State committee, serving 
eight years as such, during one-fourth of which period 
he was chairman. In all this political service, it may be 
added, he was not eonlenl to occupy simply a nominal 
position; lie was not a mere figurehead; he was Ihrough- 
oul :icli\e in tile woi'k aii(i niulfn il liis ])arly i'ssenti:il 
and uiiivi'rsaiiy recognized assistance. It is largely o\\ iiig 
lo tliis liiat his own congressional district is one of the 
few districts in all the South that renuiin in the Repub- 
lican column. 

Ill Maicii, 1881, he was appointed postmaster of Jones- 
boro, his home town, but resigned a few months there- 
after to accept llie position of Doorkeeper of the House 



[42] 



Address of Mr. Austin, of Tennessee 



of Representatives, which he held during the whole of 
the Forty-seventh Congress. In 1884, 1896, 1900, and 
1904 he was elected by the delegations from his State to 
the national Republican conventions as Tennessee's mem- 
ber of the national executive committee, and was unani- 
mously elected chairman of the Republican State execu- 
tive committee by the members of that bodj' for 1898 and 
1899. He was also elected by Congress to be a member 
of the Board of Managers for the National Home for Dis- 
abled Volunteer Soldiers. Twice was he nominated for 
United States Senator, and in 1898 he was elected as 
Tennessee's member of the national Republican con- 
gressional committee. His most important honors, how- 
ever, were comprehended in his election as Representa- 
tive in Congress, being successively chosen to the Fifty- 
fifth, Fifty-sixth, Fifty-seventh, Fifty-eighth, Fifty-ninth, 
Sixtieth, and Sixty-first Congresses as a protectionist 
Republican in a district formerly represented by Andrew 
Johnson as a free-trade Democrat. During this long- 
continued service Mr. Brownlow was quite active, sel- 
dom, indeed, appearing on the floor of the House as a 
prominent debater; but being nearly always a member 
of some of the most important committees of the House, 
he was enabled to take a decisive part in the shaping 
and enactment of legislation. One of the most interest- 
ing measures, originated and enacted largely through 
his influence and efforts, was the establishment of what 
is known as the Mountain Branch of the National Sol- 
diers' Home, situated near Johnson City, Tenn., in a most 
healthy and lovely location — one of the most attractive 
and valuable soldiers' homes in the country. 

Not only was he instrumental in having this charming 
institution created, but he has given sedulous attention 
to its improvement and its growing wants, never neglect- 
ing an opportunity to add to its beauty and its usefulness, 

[43] 



.MiCMoaiAK Addhicssks : Ki:i'Ki;si;m vnvi: Hkowm.ow 

as well as to the individual comfort and pleasure of its 
occupants. His connection with this benevolent work is 
alone enough to warrant liis occupancy of a niche in the 
Temple of fame. It places him alongside of some of 
the most distinguislied per.sonages in the historj' of the 
world — beside Queen Mary, of England, the wife of Wil- 
liam tlie Tliird, to whose tender interest in the welfare of 
the tlisabled mariners of lier country the naval home at 
Greenwich owes its establishment; beside Gen. Winfield 
Scott, the founder of the great soldiers' home at Washing- 
ton; beside Napoleon Bonaparte, whose love for the old 
soldiers of France caused tlie foundation of tlie Home of 
the Invalides at Paris; and besiile tlie gieat Imsl of large- 
hearted and benevolent men and women all over the 
world who iiave turned aside from the private avocations 
of life to assist in llie work of relieving tlie wants and 
adding to the pleasures and the comforts of tlie poor, 
the unfortunate, and the suffering in the great army of 
humanity. 

As a Member of Congress Mr. Bhownlow gave his zeal- 
ous attention to much of the greatest business that came 
before that l)ody. He neglected nothing ])ertaining to 
the duties of a national legislator, but it is a noticeable 
fact that docs not detract a whit from his fame as a states- 
man tliat his first and most loving thought was for his 
State and his district. In his inuigination the mountains 
of Tennessee were the most beautiful in the world. Her 
rivers were In liini Hie most picluresciuc. inui In r lirooks 
and rivulets nuidi' the sweetest of nuisic. llrr air was 
the balmii'st that ever encircled the beaulilul places of 
tlie earth, and her skit-s weiT ucil surpassed by those of 
Greece or ItaK'. Ihr liiids, licli with Ihi liiiil nl man's 
industry and inlilligenci\ weie iml to he ((lualed any- 
wiiere in Hie world. Like all nuuintaiii-horn nun. he 
intensely loved his native soil, and when he hit it, even 

[•14] 



Address of Mr. Austin, of Tennessee 

for a short time, he always longed to get back to it. His 
thoughts of the people were the same. He loved them, 
and they loved him. The women were all charming and 
interesting, and the men were all courageous and strong. 
Andrew Jackson once said, in speaking of the danger of 
a foreign war: 

Let it come. In a war we will beat them, sir; we can whip all 
Europe with United States soldiers. Give me a thousand Tennes- 
seeans, and I'll whip any other thousand men on the globe. 

These were somewhat the views of Mr. Brownlow; 
there was nothing too great for Tennesseeans ! And in 
some respects I am inclined to agree with him. It has 
been my fortune to see a good deal of my own country, 
and of some foreign countries as well, and I can truth- 
fully say that the people of Tennessee, east Tennessee 
included, of course, are among the most remarkable 
of them all. Let these people once see their duty and 
what can be reasonably expected of them, and they will 
perform it. If it is a question of " getting there," they 
will prove equal to the work and get there! Of the 
future of Tennessee Mr. Brownlow was very hopeful. 
He realized the wonderful natural resources of the State, 
and knowing the capabilities of her people, he saw with 
a prophet's vision that in time she would outstrip Penn- 
sylvania and New York. Of the State's past history he 
was extremely proud. In the people's early struggles for 
the settlement and improvement of the country he read a 
record of heroism and patriotism that has not been sur- 
passed by any people appearing in the pages of history; 
he could realize fully the efforts and environments of 
the early settlers of Tennessee, when every step was 
attended with danger, when every bush or tree was likely 
to conceal one or more red enemies, and when the women 
and children, left at home when the father was either at 

[45] 



Mf.mohiai. Addhkssks: Rei'RESkntativi: Browmow 

work in the fields or on the hunt for food, were in con- 
stant fear of death or capture at the hands of nierciU^ss 
savages. He looked upon Kings Mountain, fought prin- 
cipally by Tennesseeans, North Carolinians, and Vir- 
ginians, as the great battle of the War of tiic Revolution, 
where Cornwallis's men met their first defeat, and that 
this victory was hut a prelude to Yorktown; and he 
regarded the leaders of the Tennessee pioneers — Sevier, 
Coffee, Donelson, White, Jackson, and others — as the 
greatest men in history. To Andrew Jackson in particu- 
lar, the man who practically brought the Floridas, and 
indirectly Texas also, into the territory of the I'nion and 
gained the battle of New Orleans, assisted very largely 
by Tennesseeans, one of the greatest victories of record 
in the annals of mankind, he gave his highest praise and 
reverence. That unobtrusive moiuunent in the garden of 
the Hermitage, where tlie remains of Jackson lie buried, 
and which to the citizens of Tennessee is perhaps the 
most cherished spot in all lur fair donuiin. was worthy 
of every patriot's veneration. He tiiouglit that — 

Such graves as liis are pilgrims* shrines, 
ShriiU's to no code or creed confined. 
The Delphian vales, the Palestines, 
The Meccas of the miiul. 

James Paiton, in his Lite of .Vndrtw Jackson, gives 
the following as a carel'uliv tdllalcd stattuuMit ol tlir 
opinions of Francis P. Blair conci rning tlic (icnirai, w iiii'ii 
tliougii seemingly extravagant were no doubt sincere, ami 
they |)robably came very near expressing the views of 
Mr. Bhowm.ow: 

Mr. Hlair di-liheralely eoneiirs in Colhert's Judgnient llial 
Andrew Jaekson was llie Kri'alrsl man lliat fver lived — the bravest 
of llie liravi-, the wisest of the wise, the most lender, the most 
resolute, the most devoted to this countr\, and llie most ehxiuent 



[46] 



Address of Mr. Austin, of Tennessee 

of Iniman beings. Fighting men loved him for his valor and 
cowards loved him for the protection he gave them. No man 
and no combination of men could ever overcome him. He was 
victorious on every field. Clay, Webster, Calhoun, Preston, 
Biddle, the United States Bank, the capitalists, the brightest men, 
and the most powerful agencies were leagued against him for 
eight years without gaining over him one important advantage. 
He attempted nothing which he did not accomplish. He gained 
constantly in Congress and left his party in a majority in both 
Houses. His eloquence surpassed that of the most renowned 
orators. When he grew warm in conversation and his gray 
bristles shook he thrilled the listeners' nerves and souls as no 
other man could thrill them. No man could resist the impetuous 
intensity of his speech. He was a man of absolute sincerity, 
incapable of duplicity or acting for effect. He loved the people 
■with a deep, exhaustless love; believed in them; would have laid 
down his hoary head on the block for them and counted it gain 
and glory. He was the controlling soul of his administration at 
every moment of its existence. 

All this may sound like the views of a man somewhat 
unbalanced in his mind, but we should remember that 
it is the deliberate opinion of a man of the greatest astute- 
ness, one who seldom went astray himself; and if Mr. 
Blair entertained such views himself, we can not be very 
much astonished — making every allowance for the par- 
tiality of his friends and admirers — that most of the world 
should share his opinion. Andrew Jackson, in sober 
truth, was a wonderful man, and deserving of all the 
honors and the love which the citizens of Tennessee have 
heaped upon him. 

To the other great men of Tennessee Mr. Brownlow 
gave almost unstinted admiration. And for Andrew 
Johnson, loaded as he was with the enmity of so many 
men, he had great respect. But there was another great 
man — one of his own kinsmen — the illustrious William 
G. Brownlow, to whom he could not render enough praise 
or admiration. " Parson " Brownlow was truly an cx- 



[47] 



Mkmohiai. Addhkssf.s: Hkpresf.ntativi; Bhow nijiw 

traordinary man — an unflinching patriot, a man of such 
devotion to principle that he would have laid down his 
life rather than sacrifice his truth or his honor. His 
courage was of that rare order that no amount of danger 
or suffering could make him failir or give way in times 
of trial or difliculty, and his example and loyalty to his 
country were fruitful of benefit to his State and the 
Nation. After his election to the Senate of the I'nited 
States, after tlie close of the Civil War, wliieh elevation 
was in but a small measure a recognition of his unfalter- 
ing love of country and his devotion to duty, he was 
stricken with a nervous trouble, from which he suffered 
up to the day of his death; but it was a source of pride 
to his friends and relatives that this afldiction, which he 
bore with resignation, was the only thing in the whole 
course of his life that had ever made him tremble. With 
nearly the whole disloyal element in Tennessee — perhaps 
in most of the South — eml>itt( red against him, impris- 
oned, and with the halter, metaphorically speaking, 
around his neck, he was true to his country and his con- 
victions. He was, indeed, as Napolei)ii once said of tiie 
famous Gen. Desaix, "of the heroic mold of antiquity." 
Congressman Brownlow himself, and some of the Par- 
son's <lirect descendants resembled him in these matters, 
and ct)uld, if circumstances had rendered it necessary, 
have displayed the same high degree of courage and 
loyalty. 

In the final analysis of the character of Wai.tkr Phf.s- 
TON HnowM.ow there were several n(>ticeal>le liaits tiiat 
are desiiving of spicial meiitiim. 

He was, for example, ])( i(iiMi:illy elieiTliil ami kiiul. 
N(»thing seemed to de|)ress liiiii oi- iiitn fcie with his 
customary spirit of aeeonunoilatitui an<l good humor. 
He could cast aside trouble witlxiut ditliculty and deport 
himself as if misfortune and ill-will were total strangers 



[48] 



Address of Mr. Austin, of Tennessee 

to him. A pathetic ilhistration of this was seen in his 
later years wlien he was tlireatened with total hlindness. 
He was an object of much sj'mpathy as he was led about 
by a guide, unable in many respects to care for himself; 
but he philosophically bore his misfortune, and was noted 
during even the worst of his trouble for his unfailing 
courtesy and good humor. Even if he had to fall, his 
optimistic and courageous spirit led him to feel that it 
was best to fall witli his colors flying. On the eve of his 
last physical breakdown a remark is attributed to him, 
also quoted sometimes as a bon mot of the late Senator 
Zeb Vance, of North Carolina, which at once illustrates 
his wit and his unfailing serenity. In response to an 
inquiry as to his health, he said he ought not to com- 
plain or feel discouraged. " I am," said he, " simply like 
old Tom Henderson's wagon down here in Tennessee — 
all I need is a good body and a good running gear." 

He was, besides, a man of great frankness and truth- 
fulness. When necessarj' to state his views or come to a 
conclusion he did not beat about the bush. He was ready 
to express his convictions at all times and to let his de- 
termination be known. And his word could always be 
depended upon. He was not lavish of promises, but what 
he did promise he always meant to perform, and, indeed, 
his performance often went beyond his promise. 

He had naturally a lively fancy, a happy abundance of 
wit and humor, and an admirable faculty for telling a 
story. In the exercise of this latter talent he resembled 
Abraham Lincoln and many other great raconteurs. His 
stories were generally used to enforce some truth or as 
accessories in the accomplishment of some high aim or 
great duty. His power of I'epartec, too, was quite re- 
markable. In conversation or public argument, on the 
" stump " or elsewhere, he was never taken at a disad- 
vantage, either by legitimate means or by ill-mannered 



1658°— 11- 



[49] 



Me.muiual AuDiiLssLS : Hici'Uesematim: Hhowm.ow 

interruption. He generally managed to place his antag- 
onist in a position of embarrassment or discomfiture, but 
generally without any exhibition of malice or hostility. 
He always strove, on the contrary, to avoid wounding the 
feelings of either friend or foe. It was this happy spirit 
and his talent as a story teller that made him a favorite 
of such men as Clen. (larfield, William McKinley, Theo- 
dore Roosevelt, William H. Taft, and many other distin- 
guished personages, who never failed to enjoy his quaint 
and original humor. 

As a man of business Mr. Brownlow was reasonably 
successful. Beginning his career almost without a dol- 
lar, he ended life with, for Tennessee, an income adequate 
for the comfortable support of liimself and family; and 
this, be it understood, without greed or dishonesty. He 
did not grind the poor, but always stood forward ready 
to help and serve them. He accumulated his estate with- 
out questionable means, and he bore his prosperity with- 
out vulgar ostentation or conti in|)tible snobbery. 

Finally, when the dread enemy of all of us ajqiroached, 
his end was characteristic of him. He made no indecent 
manifestation of the love of life. He knew when his end 
was approaching, and he received the announcement 
rather as a benediction than a blow. In the language of 
Br\ant, he went away calmly and complacently: 

Siisliiincil aiui sootlifd 
By an uiifalkTinK trust, he aijpioailuii his niave 
Like one that wraps tin- drapciv of liis couch 
.\l)()ut him, and lit-s down to pliasant dnains. 



[50] 



Address of Mr. Tilson, of Connecticut 

Mr. Speaker: I am not a member of the Tennessee 
delegation and had not the pleasure of serving on any 
committee with the late Hon. Walter P. Brownlow, but 
I should be unwilling to let this occasion pass without 
saying a few words concerning his life, character, and 
public services. 

I was born in the count}' where he lived, and lived 
there until I was 22 years of age, when I moved to the 
State which I now have the honor to represent on the 
floor of this House. I came to know Mr. Brownlow 
quite early in my life and had the pleasure of a somewhat 
intimate personal acquaintance with him from that time 
until his death. My father and my brothers were his 
personal and political friends, and I grew up in an atmos- 
phere of friendliness toward him. 

It seems to me that it can be well said of Mr. Brownlow 
that he was the product of his day and environment. He 
was but a boy during the troublous times of the Civil 
War, but was old enough to learn much from the ex- 
perience and conditions of those days. School facilities 
in the part of the country where he lived at that time 
were seriously lacking, so that it was with difTiculty that 
he acquired the elements of an education. It was also 
characteristic of the time and place that there was a gen- 
eral lack of ample means among the people of that section 
of the country. 

Having obtained the rudiments of a school education 
he gained a much broader and more effective education 



[51] 



Memorial Adduesses : IIephesentativi; Bhowni.ow 

in the rough and liiinl)le ol' experience. Along with his 
struggles he acquired hahits of industry, tenacity, and 
pertinacity. He was a tireless worker, never left ofi' 
when he had hegun and never ceased effort until the 
thing attempted hecame an accomplished fact. That he 
was a man of unusual intelhitual capacity has never 
been denied, even by his enemies — and he had enemies. 
It is also conceded by all that he was a man of forceful 
character. He became a leader of men, because the force 
of his character dominated men. 

The faculty of expressing forcefully his thoughts and 
ideas was his in a very ri'mnrkable degree. Even in 
casual conversation his words fell like blows from a 
sledge hammer. He was particularly happy and enter- 
taining when surrounded by a small circle of friends, and 
his fund of stories, abounding in homely wisdom, seemed 
inexhaustible. 

He did not belong to the tribe of the self-righteous, 
neither was he to be found listed among the so-called re- 
formers. If anyone had accused him of being such, the 
accuser would have run serious risk of being enlightened 
oji the subject by one of tliose clear, concise, emplialic 
statements of forceful English falling like a thunderbolt 
from Olympus, for which he was so deservedly cele- 
brated. He looked witli suspicion upon much that pa- 
rades itself under tlie guise of reform. He had come uj) 
by his own strength and elVoit out of miverse conditions 
and IkuI elimltcd oNcr ()i)slacles tn ;i pusitidii ol' Iradcr- 
ship and usefulness. lie IkkI imt i-rcatcd tlie rules or 
imposed tiie conditions ol the game in wliitli lie was to 
|)lay a pari, lie aeci'pted these as lie loiiiul liu in and 
li\i(i aii<l ailed witiiin liieir pro\isions. To his iniii(i 
the burden was upon liini \\lio proposed a change to 
justify il. I'ldess lliis were done lie was inclined to look 
upon it either as an attempt to gain some unwarr.inled 



[52] 



Address of Mr. Tilson, of Connecticut 

advantage or to impose upon an unsuspecting public by 
a hypocritical cry of reform. 

He was a hater of shams. His strongest anathemas 
were reserved for the man who, on the hustings or in the 
legislative chamber, thunders loudly in the name of the 
people for \\hat it may bring him in the way of notoriety 
or personal advancement while in private he seeks every 
possible advantage for himself and his own. 

His creed of public service was simple and well known. 
He believed in doing things and getting things for his 
district and people. No Member of Congress ever worked 
more arduously or effectively for his constituents and 
district than did he. It was his aim to secure for them 
all that could possibly be secured within the rules of the 
game, and this aim and purpose he pursued with unusual 
ability. He helped others to secure things for their dis- 
tricts and constituents, and they in turn helped him. His 
aim, first, last, and all the time, was the accomplishment 
of results for his people. A catalogue of what he accom- 
plished in this direction, some part of which has been 
and will be referred to here to-day, would be the strongest 
possible proof of the statement. And after all, while men 
are fond in the abstract of the high, the lofty, the ideal, 
yet when it comes down to the measurement of the 
effectiveness of a public servant it is only human nature 
to measure it by results. Measured by this standard, 
Mr. Brownlow ranks high among the men who do things. 
He will be long remembered by the people of the first 
congressional district, and all the rest of Tennessee, as 
well as the whole South, as a forceful and effective public 
servant who left behind him a record of things accom- 
plished which it would be dillicult to equal. 



[53] 



Address of Mr. Sims, of Tennessee 

Mr. Speaker: The usual topics customary to be gone 
over in these eulogies ol" deceased Menil)ers have been 
so completely covered by the gentlemen who have pre- 
ceded me on this occasion — Mr. Massey, Mr. Austin, Mr. 
Byrns, Mr. Padgett, Judge Houston, and others — that I 
shall not repeat what has been so well and so eloquently 
said by these gentlemen about the life, character, and 
services of our deceased colleague, Hon. \V. P. Brown- 
LOW, but 1 shall relate some of those smaller occurrences 
of life which more often enable those who did not have 
personal knowledge of the deceased to form correct and 
lifelike conceptions ol liis distinctly personal character- 
istics than is otiierwise possible. 

1 never knew Mr. Hhowm.ow personally until the extra 
session of the Fifty-fiflli Congress wliich convened in 
March, 1897. I found hini to be a warm-hearted man, 
approachable and of easy acquaintance. 1 fell from tiic 
start as if I had known him all my lifi'. His conversation 
was always entertaining, even on the most trivial sub- 
jects. He seemed to possess an inexhaustless fund of 
humor, and was inuisually bright and original. In order 
that those who hear and those who may hereafter read 
these eulogies, 1 shall somewliat in ditail relate some of 
tlie occurrences in tlie service ol Mr. Bhowm.ow coming 
under mv piisonal ol)sii-\ation wliicli illustrate llu' Icm- 
perament and lunnor of miv late lamiiited colleague. 

Soon after the commencemt ill of the Spanish War 
Mr. HnowNi.ow and 1 had joined in reconnnending to the 
President fur appointnHiit as brigadier gent'ral of \olini- 



[54] 



Address of Mr. Sims, of Tennessee 



teers from Tennessee a certain distinguished and well- 
known citizen of our State. A few days later I met Mr. 
Brownlow in the street and told him that I had heard 
that at least one of our Senators had refused to join us 
in our recommendation, stating that our man had no 
military training or experience and that it would be 
dangerous to have such a man in command of raw volun- 
teers in battle. Mr. Brownlow replied that — 

the man you and I have recommended for brigadier general is 
like me. He knows the Tennessee boys are brave and impetuous 
and will fight anywhere, but he loves them too well to ever lead 
them into any place of danger; therefore, I stand by our man. 

I never knew Mr. Brownlow to vote against or oppose 
any appropriation of money coming to the South. On 
one occasion when some bill was coming up for con- 
sideration he came over on the Democratic side and 
asked me to support the bill and to do all I could to get 
our side to do the same. I asked him, What about the 
merits? He replied: 

Oh, it is a steal, and that ought to make it popular on your side; 
but, in addition, it is coming South. If we vote for all the steals 
coming our way for the next hundred years we will not then get 
even with the North. 

After several years' service Mr. Brownlow was ap- 
pointed on the Committee on Appropriations, and by 
Members ahead of him going out of Congress and on 
other committees it was not long until he was near the 
head of the committee. It was but natural that I wanted 
to see him become chairman of the committee. So on a 
proper occasion I mentioned the matter to him and sug- 
gested that if he did not manifest a greater disposition 
toward economy in public expenditures that I feared he 
would never be made chairman of that great committee. 



[55] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Browts'low 

iiltlioiigli he iniglil be entitled to it by rank and seniority. 
He rt])lied: 

Now, Sims, don't you worry about that; if these Yankees get 
all they want for the North and I get all I want for the South, 
there will not be anything left in the Treasury to appropriate 
long before I can get to the head of the committee. 

It will be recalled that Vice President Fairbanks, dur- 
ing the campaign in which he was a candidate, was car- 
tooned as a cold, icy man. He was represented as hav- 
ing icicles hanging irum liis liat brim and beard. I 
always thought that cartoon did Mr. Fairbanks great 
injustice. I have never known a man in public life more 
approachable or more kindly and sympathetic in his 
treatment of all people with whom he came in contact 
than was Mr. Fairbanks. It was not an unusual tiling 
for the Vice President to invite a Miini)er cif llic House 
to share with him his carriage on going to the Capitol 
in tlie morning. On one occasion as I was walking east 
on F Street I saw the Vice Presidrnt's carriage in front 
of me with Mr. Fairbanks and Mr. H now slow seated 
together and in conversation. In a moment the carriage 
slopped in front of a store and tlic Wrv Pri'siiienl aliglited 
and passed into tlic building, uiiili Mi-. Hkowm.dw re- 
mained sealed in tlic carriage. Wlicu 1 came up even 
with him I h:ill((l ^irid spukc to liini and asl<i(i liini wlicre 
he was going. Ih npjird: 

Oh, nowhere in iiartieular; 1 am just taking a ride in liie ice 
wagon. 

Ills reply was so bright and so t'liaraitei'istic of tin man 
that 1 could not keep it fiH)m tlie new s])apers. Nut long 
afUrwar<ls .Mr. HitowNi.ow got sharjily after me for jell- 
ing the occurrence to the newspaper boys, and said that 
if lie got into any trouble witii any of his bills in the 

[56] 



Address of Mr. Sims, of Tennessee 



Senate on account of it he would have my seat contested 
and have me thrown out of Congress. I replied: 

Just go ahead with your contest; the remark was worth a seat 
in Congress. 

Only a few months after I began my first service in the 
extra session of 1897, Mr. Brownlow passed me in the 
corridor between this Chamber and Statuary Hall, where 
the telegraph operators are located, and noticed that I 
was sending a telegram and paying the charges on it. 
He said: 

Sims, have you not got a book of telegraph franks yet? 

I replied that I had not; that I did not know that such 
franks were to be had. He replied: 

Well, make application for one immediately. 

I replied : 

How do you know that I want to use them? 

^He replied: 

I don't care whether you use them or not, but I don't want the 
Western Union Telegraph Co. to know that Tennessee ever sent 
a man to Congress who did not have sense enough to know what 
was coming to him and how to get it. 

Mr. Speaker, the membership of this House, like the 
world, is made up of all kinds of men of all kinds of per- 
sonal characteristics. It is difficult to so treat, in a merely 
descriptive way, the lives of men so as to fully bring out 
these distinguishing characteristics. 

I think few men were more original than Mr. Brown- 
low, and in order that those who follow him may know 
of some of the many peculiarly personal traits of this 



[57] 



Memori.\l Addresses: REPRESENXATn'E BRO^^'^'LO\v 

many-sided man 1 have attempted, witliout embellish- 
ment or exaggeration, to relate some of those occurrences 
in actual lile without which it is impossible to fully por- 
tray the real living W.\lter Preston Brow'Nlow. 

He has been and will be ven.- greatly missed in this 
House by those of us who had the good fortune to serve 
with and to know him intimately for so many years. 

He was a true and steadfast friend, a devoted father 
and husband, and a loyal party man, but without partisan 
rancor and bitterness. 

Mr. Speaker, we regret and grieve that we can never 
again meet him in these halls, that his voice is silenced 
forever, that his work is ended; but he will never be for- 
gotten by any living man who ever knew him. 



[58] 



Address of Mr. Cannon, of Illinois 

Mr. Speaker : Mr. Brownlow came from a family and a 
community with convictions. He had convictions and he 
had the courage to defend them. In my judgment these 
were the distinguishing characteristics of Mr. Brownlow, 
and they are tlie qualities that have done most for the 
construction and development of this Nation. They are 
the qualities we most need in our American citizenship 
in the future as we have had in the past. 

Mr. Brownlow came from a stock that has ever been 
tenacious of the principles it accepted as right. His 
family had that tenacity, as was well demonstrated in 
the public life of his distinguished uncle, " Parson " 
Brownlow. Both of them typified a community in the 
mountains of east Tennessee, which held to its political 
convictions throughout the terrors of the Civil War. 

These people were within the confines of the territory 
which was openly at war with the Government, and yet 
they were openlj' and actively loyal to the Government 
and at war with the great majority of the Southern peo- 
ple. Mr. Brownlow well represented that people in their 
conviction, but without any evidence of the old interne- 
cine war spirit that prevailed in his State in an earlier 
day. 

He was the friend of every man in this House, and the 
Members with whom he served were his friends. He 
was a Republican, believing in the policies of the Repub- 
lican Party. He was an adherent of these principles 
openly under all conditions. His courage and his loyalty 

[59] 



Memorial Addresses: Representati\-e Bro\\'nlo\\' 

gave him the respect and the friendship of men to whom 
he was opposed in politics. 

lie was not an orator, and never pretended to be that 
which he was not. He was industrious, earnest, and 
courteous, and he probably brought the people of his 
district into closer touch with the National Government 
than any other Representative who served them in the 
last half centurj'. 

Representing a constituency that had always kept the 
faith through good report and evil report, he was a true 
representative of tliat constituency under all conditions 
and at whatever cost; he was true to the policies in wliich 
he believed, and on one occasion was carried into tiiis 
Hall to record his vote when his physician said it might 
cost him his life. He felt that liis vote was needed and 
he came, regardless of the consequences to his health. 



foni 



Address of Mr. Garrett, of Tennessee 

Mr. Speaker: The State of Tennessee, like ancient Gaul, 
is divided into three parts — east, middle, and west Ten- 
nessee — and the sectional distinctions are recognized in 
the organic law of the State and play a very conspicuous 
part in all our relations — social, political, and otherwise. 
It is, perhaps, unfortunate that there is constitutional 
recognition of these divisions, since it tends to emphasize 
sectionalism; but, even if they were not thus recognized, 
this sectionalism would still obtain in some measure, be- 
cause the divisions are perfectly natural, both historically 
and geographically. The State was settled by sections, 
the eastern part being first occupied by pioneers moving 
westward from the Carolinas and southwestward through 
the Gap from Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. 

From the eastern section, following the natural lines of 
travel, the population passed into the middle and founded 
settlements in what may be roughly termed the " plateau 
region." Only these two divisions had been settled at 
the time of the admission of the State into the Union in 
1796, west Tennessee then being known as the western 
district. It was not until 1818, in fact, that the treaty 
was negotiated whereby the Indians were removed from 
this division and it was opened for settlement. It was 
rapidly divided into counties, and its fertility, combined 
with the cheapness of lands, caused an inrush by settlers. 
But while settled at different times, Tennessee's people, 
in the main, came from a common stock, so that while 
there has been inevitably a certain sectional spirit, yet 



[61] 



Mi:m(ihiai. Ai)I)Hi;s.si;s: l{i-:i'Ki;si;MAri\i: Bkowmjiw 

for the most part, by reason of the ties of common blood 
and descent, there has all along been a deep feeling of 
sympathy upon tlic broad question of State progress and 
devclopnuiit. 

Our late colleague, Hon. Walter Preston Brownlow, 
in memory of wlinni we are assembled to-day, repre- 
sented the extreme eastern end of the State. His home 
town of Jonesboro is the oldest town in the Common- 
wealth, and his county — Washington — is the oldest 
county, having been organized while the State was a 
part of North Carolina. Living as I do in the extreme 
western part of the State, several hundred miles from 
his home, 1 did not meet Mr. Brownlow until I became 
a Member of Congress, although he was at tiie time the 
most conspicuous Republican in Tennessee. I soon grew 
to be quite well acquainted with him, however, after 
coming iiere. and learned to ai)|)reeiate and esteem him 
for iiis many ciiarming and polciil eliaracteristics. He 
was a genial, kiiuiiy gentleman. 1 have not known a man 
more ready to accommo<late a friend. He was, too, a 
man of really great ability. 1 often wondered wliy lie 
never cultivated the habit of engaging in the debates on 
the floor of the House. He possessed wide general infor- 
mation, was a man of decided convictions upon i)uhlic 
questions, had as line a .sense of humor as any per.son 1 
have ever known, and a gift of repartee that was sui)erb. 
Had be chosi'u lo do so, 1 ha\c not llie slightest dmilil tliat 
he could iiave made a re])utatioii lor i)rilliancy in debate 
that would have e(]uai('(i or surpassed liis wide reputa- 
tion as a practical legislator. 

I have heafd him I re(iii( ntlx in ])ri\ale eon\ eisation 
make rej)lies to sallies thai 11 made on llu Ihior of the 
House wouiil liave iieeome classic as specimens of rep- 
artee. 



[62] 



Address of Mr. Garrett, of Tennessee 

He did not cultivate this faculty in debate here, how- 
ever, but devoted himself assiduously to practical labors 
for his district and State. 

Mr. Brownlow was one of the busiest men I have ever 
known and had a capacity for sustained labor that was 
surprising. For many years he was the recognized head 
of his party in his State and distributed the Federal 
patronage throughout the entire Commonwealth. His 
correspondence was enormous, but he so systematized 
his woi'k as to handle it with ease and dispatch. With 
all this tremendous volume of work upon him he was 
regular in his attendance in this body, it being rare that 
he missed a vote. 

I often wondered how he found the time to attend to 
the vast amount of department work that was thrust 
upon him. I have no doubt that he literally worked him- 
self to death. Although a man of strong physique, his 
large labors necessarily led him into a sedentary life, 
and, like many of us here, he did not find time for need- 
ful exercise, and gradually his vitality was sapped. 

The story of our colleague's life has been so well told 
by others of the delegation here to-day that it is not 
necessary for me to enter upon that, and I have chosen 
rather to refer to his personal characteristics. He was a 
strong man, of great intellectual breadth, of untiring 
energy, and unyielding persistency. His political acumen 
mounted almost, if not quite, to the height of genius. He 
knew men, knew how to control them and bind them to 
him. He was a typical representative of the feelings and 
aspirations and hopes of the bold, generous mountain 
people, who honored him and whom he served with all 
the loyalty and devotion of his earnest, hearty, wholesome 
soul. A partisan of partisans, he always retained the 
friendship and respect of his political foes by his candor 
and courtesy. 



[63] 



Mkmoiuai. ADDnnssKs: Represi:ntativk Bhowm.ow 

His people were loyal to liini Irom his entrance into tlie 
political arena until the day of his death. He had sturdy 
oj)i)osition in his district at times witliin Ids own party, 
hut always triumphed with ease. 

I i'eel a deep and sincere sense of loss hy his tleath. 
He was my personal li ii nd. and 1 greatly admired the 
strength of his character, the charm of his personality, 
and tlie vigor of his life and work. He carved out for 
himself a great career and acquitted liimself witli tine 
fidelity. He was a worthy son of the great section trom 
whence he came, and his proud place in tlie history of 
the State is quite secure. 

As a part of my remarks 1 heg tu include an editorial 
from the Louisville Courier-Journal of July 1, 1910, the 
paper so long famous by reason of the greatness of its 
editor, Hon. Henry Watterson: 

Tlif (ieatli of Walti-u l'ni:sTON Buownlow of Tennessee re- 
moves from the National House of Rei)resentatives one of its 
most poijular Meml)ers. A l)liill', rufe'geil man of generous pro- 
portions, with a kindly heart ami a keen sense of humor, he was 
the best of companions. .\ man of considerable personal mag- 
netism and resourcefulness, he rejiresented a type of politician 
more prominent a generation ago, when personality was a larger 
factor in the oflice-seeker's equation than it is to-day. It was said 
of Mr. HitowNLOw that he carrieil his political machine under his 
hat. This was not, strictly speaking, true, lie knew the value 
of organization, and possessed a talent for perfecting it that 
amounted to genius. But there is a dill'erence between draw 
poker as played between gentlemen and three-card nionle as eon- 
ducted by a fellow of the baser sort for illegitimate prolit. Mr. 
HnowM.ow i)layed draw-poker politics and pla\cd above the table. 
His tactics rellectid an absorbing passion for llu' game rather 
than an unscrupulous ilch for gain, and the evidence of his pos- 
session of true spurting instincts coniuicnded him to the friendly 
consideration of the spectator of his activities. His opponents 
were compelled to admit his brilliant virtuosity even while he was 
pocketing their losses and they were swallowing their defeat. 



[64] 



Address of Mr. Garrett, of Tennessee 

Although the chips usuallj- drifted toward him as tlie game pro- 
gressed, the adjournment of tlie session usually left the other 
players in fairly good humor if their flow of sporting blood was 
equal to that of the victor. 

Constituents would be better served and better satisfied, po- 
litical campaigns would be more picturesque, and Congress would 
be cleaner if there were a greater proportion of professional poli- 
ticians of the Brownlow type in the field. His state of health 
foretold several years ago the earlj- termination of his career. 
His death will be the cause of deep regret in Tennessee and in 
Washington, and wherever his personal acquaintance extended. 



1658°— 11- 



[65] 



Proceedings in the Senate 



December 6, 1910. 

Mr. Frazier. Mr. President, I ask that the resokitions of 
the House announcing the death of the late Representa- 
tive Brownlow, of Tennessee, be laid before the Senate. 

Tlie Vice President. The Chair laj's before the Senate 
resolutions of the House of Representatives, which will 
be read. 

The Secretary read the resolutions, as follows: 

In the House of Representatives, 

December 5, 19i0. 
Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of 
the death of Hon. Walter P. Brownlow, late a Representative 
from the State of Tennessee. 

Resolved, That the Clerk of the House be directed to transmit 
a copy of these resolutions to the Senate and send a copy thereof 
to the family of the deceased. 

Mr. Frazier. 1 submit the following resolutions and ask 
for their immediate consideration. 

The Vice President. The resolutions will be read. 

The resolutions were read and unanimously agreed to, 
as follows : 

Resolved, That the Senate has heard with deep sensibility the 
announcement of the death of Hon. Walter Preston Brownlow, 
late a Representative from the State of Tennessee. 

Resolved, That the Secretary communicate a copy of these reso- 
lutions to the House of Representatives. 



[67] 



!.V '12 



